Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer, combining crispy, juicy wings with a perfectly balanced glaze of heat and sweetness. Baked or air-fried for a crispy finish, these wings are coated in a sticky sauce that packs bold flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish—crispy, sticky, sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. They’re easy to prepare, customizable to your heat preference, and can be made in the oven or air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• Baking powder (for extra crispiness)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

For the sauce:

• Honey or brown sugar
• Hot sauce (like sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or your favorite)
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
• Cornstarch + water (optional, for thickening)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet, or in the air fryer basket.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes (flipping halfway), or air fry for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy.
6. While wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
7. Optional: mix cornstarch and water, stir into the sauce, and simmer for 2–3 more minutes until thickened.
8. Once wings are done, toss them in the sauce until fully coated.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
• Add a dash of lime juice to the sauce for a citrusy kick.
• Swap sriracha with gochujang or Thai chili paste for a different flavor profile.
• Use a dry rub only for a crispier, non-sticky version.
• Grill the wings instead of baking for a smoky finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crispy skin.

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

Pat wings dry and coat them with baking powder—this helps draw out moisture for crispiness in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.

How spicy are these wings?

You can adjust the heat level by using less hot sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes.

Can I bake and then sauce the wings later?

Yes, keep the wings and sauce separate until ready to serve for best texture.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Any hot sauce you like—sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or even buffalo sauce will work well.

Can I use drumsticks instead?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is there a way to make them gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I freeze cooked wings?

Yes, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a container or bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What sides go well with sweet and spicy wings?

Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—especially if you want extra to drizzle over rice or veggies.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of flavor and texture—crispy, sticky, and full of bold heat and sweetness. Whether baked or air-fried, these wings are easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next gathering or dinner. Customize the spice level to your liking and enjoy every mouthwatering bite.

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